trillion

noun

tril·​lion ˈtri(l)-yən How to pronounce trillion (audio)
1
: a number equal to 1,000 times one billion see Table of Numbers
2
: an indeterminately large number
a trillion mosquitoes out tonight
trillion adjective
trillionth adjective or noun

Examples of trillion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This raises a fundamental question: Is the world capable of mobilizing the trillions of dollars necessary to fund the climate transition? Sultan Al Jaber, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2023 Within the next decade, a United Nations analysis estimates, trillions of dollars in new financing will be needed to mitigate the impact on developing countries. Patricia Cohen, New York Times, 18 Sep. 2023 Vietnam has been sucked into several close confrontations with Chinese vessels in the South China Sea as Beijing — ignoring international court rulings — attempts to assert its control over most of the strategic body of water, through which trillions of dollars in trade passes annually. Courtney Subramanian, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2023 Strategically, experts say, the U.S. sees Vietnam as an important partner in its effort to counter the rise of China, particularly its expansive claims in the South China Sea, a resource-rich waterway through which trillions of dollars in trade flows each year. Jennifer Jett, NBC News, 9 Sep. 2023 Researchers are working to understand how the trillions of microbes in the gut impact the development and progression of colorectal cancer. Andrea Michelson, Verywell Health, 29 Aug. 2023 There are trillions of microorganisms living in your intestines, helping to break down your food and make nutrients like B vitamins and vitamin K.12 Fasting can be one of the many ways to improve overall gut health by helping these microorganisms thrive. Marnie Schwartz, Health, 25 Aug. 2023 The Administration is spending literally trillions of dollars in taxpayer subsidies and calling the projects that result an economic miracle. The Editorial Board, WSJ, 16 Aug. 2023 And the private sector is expected to spend trillions more to take advantage of the incentives in the law over the next decade. Justin Worland, Time, 11 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'trillion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French, from tri- + -illion (as in million)

First Known Use

1690, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of trillion was in 1690

Dictionary Entries Near trillion

Cite this Entry

“Trillion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trillion. Accessed 29 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

trillion

noun
tril·​lion ˈtril-yən How to pronounce trillion (audio)
1
: a number equal to 1,000 times one billion see number
2
: a very large number
a trillion mosquitoes out tonight
trillion adjective
trillionth adjective
trillionth noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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